Waiting Time Problem: Case Analysis & Solution

This case study analyzes the problem of excessive patient waiting times in a hospital setting, specifically focusing on the use of intravenous pumps. The analysis identifies poor process design as a key contributor to the issue, leading to both patient and staff delays. The proposed solution involves applying the Lean Six Sigma methodology to streamline processes, reduce waste, and ultimately decrease waiting times. The study emphasizes the importance of mapping patient processes, identifying bottlenecks, and optimizing resource allocation to improve overall efficiency and productivity within the healthcare environment. The reference provided supports the application of Lean Six Sigma in healthcare settings.

Case Analysis and Solution To Waiting Time Problem For Staff
As pointed out in the given case, the poor process leads to more waiting time, hence keeps
employee away from the job for a longer duration. Hence, longer waiting time for the patients
keep staff waiting as well. In the example of intravenous pumps, it is mentioned that the hospital
had more inventory than required and still the waiting time for the patients was high. Hence, the
process was poorly designed. The potential reasons is keeping the record of the inventory,
releasing patients who are already using the pumps and many more. An improvement in the
process using a Lean Six Sigma process can reduce the waiting time and cut down the access
inventory that hospital might be holding. Last but not the least, reduction in the patient waiting
time will result in the use of employee’s or staff time productively.
Applying Lean Six Sigma Process For wait time reduction
Lean Six Sigma Methodology is utilized in order to removing waste time that introduces delay in
the overall process. It combines the concept of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma to reduce
waiting time. Hence, Lean Six Sigma concept can be applied to patient waiting time case for
achieving improved results. Patient process should be outlined in the form of flow chart. For the
given case of intravenous pumps, hospital should outline how the people are provided with the
treatment and what are the steps where patients are waiting (Jackson, & Woeste, 2008).
Secondly, necessary steps that can be delayed to a timezone where patients are not available
should be taken care of. It will ensure that patients are not waiting and staff can handle more
patients at the same time.

Reference
Jackson, J., & Woeste, L. (2008). Using Lean Six Sigma to Reduce Patient Wait Times.
Laboratory Medicine, 39(3), 134-136. http://dx.doi.org/10.1309/7uw17nmuet6m4xfp